The Centre is planning a Rs 1,000 crore investment plan for development of agri-biotech sector through public-private partnership. “The plan, however, is in its conceptual stages,” Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) Director S A Patil, said on Saturday.
Observing that agri-biotech sector too like medical and industrial biotechnology needed large investment for development, he told reporters, this could be achieved only through private-public partnership, after inaugurating the agri-biotech day.

2nd green revolution
In this regard, he said, all related ministries including Information Technology, biotechnology, irrigation and rural development need to get involved jointly for development of agri-biotech, where agricultural products are linked to need. Stating that organic farming would play a major role in Karnataka’s agri-biotech sector as it would bring down prices of agricultural products, Mr Patil said, a second green revolution was being contemplated through development of dry land, observing, it could be successful with the whole-hearted participation of farmers. State Agriculture Minister Bandeppa Kashempur, in his address, said the government was contemplating changes in the agricultural policy with the vision of achieving 4.5 per cent growth with available land inspite of increasing land conversion for industrial and residential purposes. Meanwhile, State IT & BT Secretary M N Vidyashankar said that the three-day BangaloreBio saw nearly 30,000 visitors, of which 12,000 were business and 15,000 student and general interest group.

Future editions
The seventh edition of the annual flagship biotech event, he said, saw over 81 national and international speaker, 625 conference delegates, 152 exhibitors from over 12 countries, 11 Indian states participating. 
Mr Vidyashankar also announced the calendar dates for the next three editions. Bangalore Bio 2008 will be held from April 24 to 26, 2008; Bangalore Bio 2009 between April 15 and 17, 2009 and Bangalore Bio 2010 From June 2 to 4, 2010.